Cleaning tips: What you’re doing wrong

Monday

Apr 17, 2017 at 1:07 PM

Deena Bouknight More Content Now

There is spring cleaning, and then there is spinning one’s wheels.

Forever Clean, a residential cleaning service with offices in Delaware and Maryland, shares some basic and efficient cleaning do’s and don’ts: • Use furniture polishes sparingly as polish build-up attracts dust; use an orange-oil cleanser instead and save polishing for a few times a year. A microfiber duster works great to remove dust.• Warm sunny days are not the right time to wash windows as the solution dries too quickly and results in streaks; plan for a pleasant cloudy day instead.• Blot carpet stains instead of scrubbing, which can result in untwisted and damaged carpet fibers.

For the anal-retentive dishwasher loader who thinks he or she must place all utensils facing the same direction, Real Simple shares that just putting them in there any ol’ way will better ensure that none stick together to keep water and detergent from doing their jobs.

Also, to get more of your cleaning solution where it needs to go, spray directly on the rag and then wipe, rather than spraying on the surface to be cleaned. The kitchen requires constant cleaning. One tip from Champion, maker of doors and windows, is to clean the countertops and sink first before tackling the stove, so that grease and food grime are not spread to other areas. Do a quick wipe of the microwave each time it is used so that build-up does not eventually need a chisel.And, finally, instead of throw rugs in the kitchen, purchase feet-friendly gel mats for in front of the stove and sink. They are not crumb magnets and can easily be swept and wiped.